Thread: Need help with a razor choice decision

Greeting all! I've been shaving with a straight that I got from Larry at WhippedDog.com (9/16 Kraut & Donahl), and another vintage straight (6/8 JM Schmid & Son) that I acquired locally for about 6 months now. I feel like I'm ready to spring for a brand new straight razor just because I've always wanted to have brand new one in my collection. The problem is, I cannot make up my mind which one I want, and funds are somewhat limited.

I'm torn between the 6/8 Dovo Bismarck, Dovo 6/8 Best Quality in Black (full hollow), and the Boker King Cutter 5/8 in Black. The Bismarck would use up my entire budget. If I were to get either of the other razors, I could probably get another vintage razor too. I want it all, but simply cannot afford it!

Any advice would be much appreciated!

If the choice was mine i would go the route of another Vintage Blade.

The problem with setting your sights on a 'new' razor is that, after you shave with it, it is no longer new. I'd spend my time looking for something vintage, something collectible, something that will hold its value. I have two new razors. I've never shaved with them. I'll very likely be selling them at a loss.

I agree, get a few more vintage razors, they are the best shavers when properly honed.

Hello, otherstar:

Of three choices for the new razors, I would choose the Boker "King Cutter." I had that razor and it turned out to be a sweet one. The Bismarck has a thumb notch, and some gentlemen have a slight difficulty with that, especially when stropping.

Should you have money left over, I'm sure you can land a quality vintage razor in the Classified. You can refrain from buying the new razors and spend your money on all vintage, but I think having one new and one vintage will give you variety: a taste of the new and old.

A vintage razor from one of the members here who hones it to shave readiness is probably your best value. That having been said, I'd probably still go for the DOVO 6/8 Special. I really like the looks of the fake turtle scales and the way mine shaves. I don't have a clue why it seems to work so smoothly, but it's earned a permanent spot in the rotation.

Vintage razors are most certainly the way to go however I have to tell you there is something special and nice about getting a brand spanking new razor. So just buy what you want the most. It's like someone thinking about buying a Rolex Watch. They eventually decide it's way overpriced and not worth it but they want it and so settle for something else but always regret the decision down the road.

I don't know much about the new Revisors. I would probably go for the old reliable Dovo.

When the budget is tight, up to three about razors: go for well honed previously used blades
with sound scales. One good place to find these is the Classified above. Larry's pages look
like there are a number of better than average razors that fit my requirement for good steel and sound scales.

After that what ever floats your boat.

About three razors gives you a working rotation
with one extra to practice honing and stropping on
without risking your 'shaver' for today. Or one in transit
between you and your honemaster.

A good vintage no name razor can have steel as good
as any new razor.

The three new blades you list and two vintage blades
all look like good razors.

Where are you with your strop?
A strop is used each day and while an expensive one is not
needed a quality one is a good thing and lasts a long time.

Niftyshaving: I have a relatively new Fromm/Illinois (leather and linen with handles) strop that only has a few nicks in it from when I was first learning to strop. I also have my grandfathers barber's hone and PHIG. Do you think those should last me for awhile? (well, I'm NEVER getting rid of the hones even if I upgrade..lol).

Thanks to everyone's advice I'm strongly leaning away from the Dovo Bismarck and towards acquiring another vintage blade and a more affordable "new" razor.

Originally Posted by otherstar

Niftyshaving: I have a relatively new Fromm/Illinois (leather and linen with handles) strop that only has a few nicks in it from when I was first learning to strop. I also have my grandfathers barber's hone and PHIG. Do you think those should last me for awhile? (well, I'm NEVER getting rid of the hones even if I upgrade..lol).

Thanks to everyone's advice I'm strongly leaning away from the Dovo Bismarck and towards acquiring another vintage blade and a more affordable "new" razor.

Illinois (leather and linen with handles) will do the trick and last for years.
You are good to go.... no mater what razor you decide you are going to
be happy.

Well the dog is barking at something...
Have fun.